During my stay in the hospital after my heart attack, I had more than a few learning experiences, one of which was from a ministry called, “Mended Hearts.” Every day a male representative would visit my room briefly, encouraging me. Each man had had open heart surgery in the past. I heard words like, “It’s the greatest thing that ever happened to me.” And, “I feel better than I've ever felt.” Somehow their words left me wanting. First, because I had a serious setback. And secondly, when the two men had their heart attacks they were were, respectively, forty-seven and fifty-two years of age. I was eighty.
I was reminded once again of how God does not deal with His children in the same way. It will be to our detriment to think the pattern of our lives will be like others. Herod threw James in prison and beheaded him. The same king then put Peter in that prison, but God delivered Simon. Don’t look for the Lord to deal with you as He does with your brother or sister.
Remember Jesus’ words no matter what your lot in life, “Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?”
I think L.E. Maxwell, in his book Crowded to Christ, says it best, “The Bible is adapted to meet the need of each heart. It is written to each man or woman the way he or she is going. If they’re going east, Scripture is directed to them to meet their need: but if a person is going west, Scripture addresses them accordingly.” You’re an individual, and God’s plan for you is accordingly.